Colwyn Bay's Neil Young becomes first Chester manager

Reformed Chester have appointed Colwyn Bay's Neil Young as manager following the club's summer resurrection.

Young will bring his assistant, Chester-born former Tranmere Rovers midfielder Gary Jones, with him to be his number two at the Deva Stadium.

Young took over at Colwyn Bay in 2008 following success as assistant manager first with Rhyl then at Cammell Laird.

And, helped by Jones, the pair have enjoyed two years of success in English non-league football with Colwyn Bay.

They took the club from 17th position to the Unibond League 1 South play-offs in their first year at the club.

Then, in the season just finished, they won promotion to the Evo-Stik Premier League, two levels above the North West Counties Premier, where Chester have initially been housed by the Football Association, subject to appeal.

"They are a successful management team and have shown their commitment to Chester FC.

"Both recognise the long term potential of the club and have demonstrated this by coming to the Deva."

Chester have reached a compensation package with Bay for the pair's release, the highlight of which will involve Young and Jones returning to Llanelian Road for a pre-season friendly - the club's historic first-ever game - on Saturday 10 July.

While Chester wait on the FA to confirm that they will have to start their new life in the North West Counties in August, the main hurdle has been overcome after receiving the green light by the local council to continue at the Deva Stadium, Chester City's former home from 1992.

City Fans United media officer Jeff Banks said: "Obviously, the lease to the Deva Stadium was key to our plans.

"We needed that stadium because it's central to everything for the future of Chester Football Club.

"There does need to be stability but at the same time we need to progress up the leagues and to get back to at least conference level as soon as possible.

"The plans are in place and we have great support out there."

Former AFC Telford United boss Rob Smith had been linked with the post.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.